Verb (5-dan, う, transitive)
1. to pick up; to gather
誰かがやってきて、ボールを拾った。Someone came over and picked up the ball.
2. to find (and pick up; something someone has dropped)
彼はどうやら逃げる途中で落としたものを拾いに来ていたようだ。It seems he had come to pick up something he dropped while fleeing.
3. to select; to choose; to pick out
そこだけを拾って、少しは仲が進展したと前向きに考えよう。Let's pick out just that part and think positively that we've gotten a little closer.
4. to get (unexpectedly); to hit upon (luck, an opportunity, etc.); to snatch (an unexpected victory); to pull off
幸せは拾うものだと思うし、作るものだと思います。I think happiness is something you stumble upon, and also something you make.
5. to pick up (someone; in a car, etc.)
彼女が来て拾ってくれるさ。She'll come and pick us up.
6. to flag down (a taxi); to hail
大通りに出てタクシーを拾おう。Let's go out to the main street and hail a taxi.
7. to pick up (a signal, sound, interference, etc.)
耳だけが無駄に音を拾う。Only my ears keep pointlessly picking up sounds.
8. to (just manage to) return (the ball); to return (a difficult shot)
9. to take on (someone in adverse circumstances); to employ; to give a job; to take in
そのとき俺は、先生に拾われたんだ。That was when my teacher took me in.
10. to walk; to go on foot